Ethiopia and China celebrated the 55th anniversary of their diplomatic relations with a celebration under the theme “55 Years: A Legacy of Strong Partnership for Shared Prosperity,” at an event held at the Ethiopian Embassy in Beijing, China.
The event was attended by high-ranking officials, including Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, and Martin Mpapa, Dean of the African Ambassadors to China. More than 500 participants, including esteemed business leaders, ambassadors, and officials from the AU, UN, EU, and Ethiopian community members in China, attended the celebration. The event featured cultural performances from Ethiopia and China, highlighting the deep-rooted ties between the two nations.
Ethiopian Ambassador to China, Tefera Derbew Yimam, delivered a keynote speech emphasizing the achievements of the two nations over the past five decades. He noted that the milestone is not just a reflection of time but a testament to the enduring friendship, mutual respect, and shared inspirations that have shaped Ethiopia-China relations. Both countries, he added, have supported each other through challenges and progress.
Ambassador Tefera highlighted key collaboration projects over the past 30 years, such as the Addis Ababa-Djibouti Railway, Hawassa Industrial Park, Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit, and energy development initiatives, which demonstrate the depth of the partnership. He also acknowledged China’s role in Ethiopia’s human capital development through scholarships, technology transfer, and healthcare support. These collaborations have been strengthened through frameworks like the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) and the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).
Additionally, the Ambassador also praised Ethiopian Airlines for its significant role in connecting Africa with China and beyond. Under its slogan “The New Spirit of Africa,” the airline has facilitated trade, investment, and cultural exchange between the two countries. Looking forward, Ethiopia remains committed to working with China in emerging fields such as green energy, digital transformation, and sustainable development.
Chen Xiaodong, Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China, reaffirmed China’s dedication to strengthening ties with Ethiopia, describing the relationship as a model of friendship and cooperation between China and Africa. He stated that both nations have always treated each other with sincerity and respect, working together for common prosperity. He also mentioned the evolution of Ethiopia-China relations, which have progressed from a “comprehensive cooperative partnership” to a “comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership” and, most recently, to an “all-weather strategic partnership,” as elevated during the bilateral discussions between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2023.
China remains Ethiopia’s largest trading partner in sectors such as infrastructure, manufacturing collaboration, energy, the digital economy, and artificial intelligence, opening new opportunities for both nations. Vice Minister Chen highlighted landmark projects such as the African Union Conference Center and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Headquarters as evidence of China’s commitment to Africa’s development. Other key initiatives, including the African Leadership Excellence Academy, the China-Africa-UNIDO Center of Excellence, and the China-Africa Bamboo Center, further reflect the growing partnership between China and Africa.
The past 55 years have been a journey of shared progress, and the next chapter promises even greater achievements. Ethiopia and China’s friendship is not merely a diplomatic relationship—it is a legacy of cooperation, trust, and shared prosperity.
